Disneyland

When Walt Disney purchased numerous lots of land in Central Florida (through numerous corporations), he did so to preserve the guest experience for what would become Walt Disney World Resort. In doing so, he created a “world” that oozes creativity and inspires dreams while also educating. As Disney Historian, Stacia Martin explained: “Walt Disney World is so special, because it’s not something that Walt did here, it’s what he began: Showing itself to be something that has its own life force—that can roll along even after he’s gone.” Fifty years later, Walt’s lasting dream is even stronger—and this comes as a direct result of a world-class assemblage of talented Disney Cast Members (which is what Disney calls all of their employees—because they are always “on-stage” when working for the company).

Cinderella Castle in all of its 50th Anniversary finery.

Starting October 1, 2021—and for the following 18 months—Walt Disney World will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in grand style with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” This 18-month event will bring new attractions, nighttime spectaculars and other magical experiences to The Most Magical Place on Earth!

Welcoming guests to the celebration with gleaming gold bunting, sparkling golden embellishments, a 50th anniversary crest and other enhancements is Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. Cinderella Castle takes center stage—in radiant style—for a nighttime spectacular that took 20 years to develop and execute which is certain to amaze! “‘Disney Enchantment’ is a great story about joy, wonder, adventure and most importantly, empowerment” says David Stewart, Production Manager with Walt Disney Live Entertainment. Narrated by Angela Bassett, “Disney Enchantment,” is a nighttime extravaganza that takes guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and it inspires everyone to believe in themselves. “Disney Enchantment” features stunning fireworks, powerful music, enhanced lighting and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle all the way down Main Street, U.S.A. The show’s stirring soundtrack is anchored by an emotional original song, “You Are the Magic,” written and performed by multiple Grammy-winner Philip Lawrence, whose musical career began as a Disney cast member performing in Walt Disney World shows. “I am humbled to have a played one small part in the vision Walt Disney had for creating these long lifelasting memories,” said Philip Lawrence. Roger Butterley, Senor Music Producer for The Walt Disney Company stated further, “Philip’s “You Are the Magic” song encapsulates exactly everything we were looking for in ‘Disney Enchantment’—right off the bat, from the first demo we received, and the song helped to drive how the rest of the show progressed from there.” Debuting in EPCOT’s newly expanded France Pavilion in World Showcase is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This exciting new trackless adventure (which also opens on October 1, 2021) invites guests into the flavorful world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film Ratatouille. As Tom Fitzgerald, Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering explained, “This new ride system allows us to tell a story in a different way than the filmmaker can; So that we can immerse you in the story in a way that really makes you feel like you’re in the movie, so you can be Remy and be one of his pals.” In this family-friendly attraction, guests will “shrink” down to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau’s Parisian restaurant for a host of surprises in this unique 4D attraction. Every night, the waters of EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon come to life in a vibrant and memorable way with “Harmonious,” which is one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. This new show brings the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that will inspire

Dining in space at Space 220.

A line queue scene from Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

everyone. It is a grand, powerful tribute to the unifying power of story and song, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting, massive LED panels and media in new ways. “Harmonious” features new interpretations of classic Disney songs in more than a dozen languages, performed by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world, including legendary Gospel artists Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard, vocalist Bryson Camper, Luis Fonsi, Joy, Danny Gokey, and the Ndlovu Youth Choir. Katrika Rodriguez, who was recently installed as Vice President of EPCOT, expressed how excitement for what is to come to EPCOT: “It’s great to see what Disney’s amazing Imagineering team has done—their creativity is just phenomenal!” And Katrika speaks the truth: Opening in 2022 as part of the continued historic transformation of EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the park’s first “other-world” showcase pavilion. This family-friendly adventure features a new storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster. “This will be one of the world’s longest enclosed rollercoaster systems and we are hopeful that it will deliver the pack and the punch that the Guardians of the Galaxy movies brings,” says Ashley Levine, Senior Project Controls Specialist at Walt Disney Imagineering. One of the most highly anticipated new experiences at Walt Disney World Resort will debut in 2022 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Beginning March 1, 2022, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will immerse its first official guests with and experience beyond anything Disney has created before. As Jared Sell, Assistant Project Manager at Walt Disney Imagineering explains: “Star Wars: Galatic Starcruiser is a 2-night immersive experience where guests will jump aboard a ‘Launch Pod’ which will take them to a galaxy far, far away where they will board the Halcyon Starcruiser to commence their voyage. In addition to tasting different flavors from around the galaxy, guests will also be able to wield lightsabers and use The Force just like a Jedi.” As a part of this first-of-its-kind vacation experience, guests become the heroes of their own stories over the course of their two-night adventure where they see, feel and live all things Star Wars. General bookings for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser begin Oct. 28, 2021 (and yes, meals are included on-board the Starcruiser). New daytime entertainment is stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, as Disney KiteTails comes alive several times daily. Performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes. While out on the water, elaborate three-dimensional kites—some stretching to 30 feet long—depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful creations dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. Walt Disney World continues demonstrate how food and drinks are key ingredients for a fun day at The Most Magical Place on Earth. New menu items for it 50th anniversary celebration offer nods to the past while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places. Of the 150plus new items available, examples include: The Toad Burger at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park (no toad meat is used btw), Cheese Fries (with a chili recipe that was a favorite of Walt Disney) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Filet Mignon with Walt’s Hash at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EARidescent Croissant Doughnut at EPCOT, 50th Celebration Soufflé at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and more. As Chef Edson with Walt Disney

World Food & Beverage explained: “We do a lot of research to make sure that we provide the right flavor balance within all of our dining offerings before presenting them to guests.” And this particularly evident with the culinary offerings at Steakhouse 71 which is housed within Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The dining experience is one which hearkens back to 1971 where such tried and true favorites reigned supreme: Lump Crab Cakes, 12-oz Roasted Prime Rib with Classic Yorkshire Pudding and Ambrosia. The new Space 220 Restaurant is a culinary experience offering the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles above the planet’s surface. This unique experience provides culinary offerings which are curated by Patina Restaurant Group. Apropos to its proximity to EPCOT’s Mission: SPACE attraction, guests board a space elevator for a simulated journey to the Centauri Space Station, where they experience the “height of dining.” The views of Earth, while dining on uniquely curated delectables, is quite an experience (reservations are recommended). Drawn to Life, the new family-friendly show coming to Disney Springs, is an original creativecollaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. As Tim Bennett, Artistic Director Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group stated, “This show is a love letter to animation.” Premiering Nov. 18, 2021, during “The World’s Most Magical

The Harmonies evening extravaganza at Epcot. Above/Below: Disney & Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life” show.

Celebration,” Drawn to Life is a live acrobatic journey telling the story of Julie, a determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her Disney animator father: an unfinished animation. As she dives into the inner world of animation guided by a surprising pencil, Julie embarks on an inspiring quest filled with her childhood Disney memories, brought to life through Cirque du Soleil’s innovative design and dazzling performances. “To have this opportunity to collaborate with such a creative powerhouse, that is Cirque du Soleil, is amazing!” says Natalie Woodward, Vice President of Production with Disney Live Entertainment.

As Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th anniversary, Walt Disney Imagineering is continuing to enhance the storytelling at the vacation destination’s two original Disney Resort hotels, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Let’s begin with Disney’s Contemporary: Incredible rooms are all you will find now at the iconic A-frame property. All guest rooms are being completely refurbished, blending a sleek Monorail motif evoking Tomorrowland with some favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles films. In the lobby, guests see a collection of modern art pieces as well as historical, behind-the scenes photographs of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in development and under construction. Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, guest rooms were recently reimagined with a color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its necklace of islands. Their fresh new look draws on the details, textures and patterns found in Disney’s “Moana,” with characters and references to the film’s rich storytelling. The resort also boasts a dramatic new Porte Cochere to enhance the experience as guests arrive at the resort’s Great Ceremonial House.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts are now joined by the brand-new 14-story Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. This property boasts luxury offerings in an upscale and boutique environment, and it’s designed to offer an intimate and tranquil oasis for guests while experiencing Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring 349 guest rooms, 149 spacious suites and two presidential suites, each accommodation is lavishly appointed and features floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views. The experience at Walt Disney World is magical for one simple reason: It’s all about the guest. 30-year Disney Legacy cast member Christopher Stewart said it best: “The more things change, the more things remain the same. The spirit of what we do here for guests hasn’t changed. When I came in, the first thing I was taught was about taking care of the guest: Making sure they feel special and making sure they feel like an individual. And that has not changed. This is still exactly how we train our cast, every single day.”